The Spanish, forced to retire this year’s race, spoke of the route of the Rally Raid scheduled for January 2026
Laia Sanz It is the reference between women in the Dakar. Not only because it boasts well 15 participationsbut above all because it was the only one to close in the top 10 of category with a spectacular one ninth placed in 2015 among the motorcyclesa record that remained unbeaten. In 2022 for the debut by car he chose Italian Maurizio Geriniwith a 15th place in the general classification of 2024 for best result. The goal in 2025 was that of Win the T1.2 category. The Sanz-Gerini duo was doing well, but then he was forced to retire following an accident that changed the roll-bar for only 2mm. In Spain for the presentation of the Dakar 2026, scheduled from 3 to 17 JanuaryLaia spoke of the path of the next edition from the top of its 15 Dakar, all completed except that year.
How do you see the path?
“It will be a beautiful Dakar, especially from a logistical point of view. Last year we also made stages of 900/1,000 kilometers to reach the Empty Quarter. Saudi Arabia is so vast that I am sure we will not miss the sand”.
How do you combine the spirit of adventure with the needs of modern times?
“Today it has become essential to simply have coverage for the mobile phone. In edition 2025 the race closed in the Empty Quarter and we came to the end of Dakar without the possibility of talking to journalists or families at home. But also for the sponsors, the fourth emptiness desert was too far to reach us”.
As a great motorcyclist, how do you evaluate the stages that will see separate cars and motorcycles?
“Gerry (Maurizio Gerini) is strong in navigation and together we do a nice team so I like the division of the routes. At the safety level it represents a step forward because the motorcycles risk when they are reached by the cars. In the end it is better for us too”.
What changes in terms of tactics?
“In the end it counts not to make mistakes, make fewer mistakes and be lucky on our side.”
Two millimeters decreed your retreat in January.
“A pity, but we managed to transform this frustration into motivation and are working on a nice project”.
In the car race, the vehicle continues to make a big difference. Could Toyota be an option?
“At Dakar it takes the right vehicle, but also the means and money to better prepare. We hope there is the possibility and with the work we are also doing in the shadows, the right option will arrive”.
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